The Great Backyard Bird Count: Birdwatchers of all ages are invited to participate in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where birds are. Participants tally the number of individual birds of each species they see during their count period (Feb. 15-18) then enter these numbers at www.birdsource.org. A free GBBC account must be set up to submit a checklist. If you do not wish to submit your observations on the Internet, take your tally sheets to Wild Birds Unlimited, 692 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill and they will relay the data.

Pet Dental Health Awareness Month: Petco is offering free oral health seminars at 1 p.m. Feb. 16-17, at all Petco locations, to help "pet parents" care for their pets dental needs. Qualified Petco staff will be on hand during the seminars to demonstrate proper technique and share information on dental care. www.petco.com/wholepets.

Wild Kenya: Learn about Maasai culture and Kenya's wildlife with Salaton Ole Ntutu. He will describe growing up as a Maasai boy to become a warrior, healer and community leader and how he is protecting the environment for wild animals now. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Feb. 17. Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. Free with cost of admission. $7 adults, $5 kids. 925-935-1978.

Discounts on spay/neuter surgeries available: Humane Society Silicon Valley and 25 participating veterinarians are offering special discounts on spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats. Throughout the month of February, the cost of surgery for all cats is $50. Dogs under 50 pounds are $80; dogs over 50 pounds are $100. Prices include a pre-op exam, pre-anesthetic, anesthetic, nail trim, spay/neuter surgery, hospitalization on the day of surgery and take home medication. Additional charges may apply for animals in heat, pregnant, cryptorchid and/or are obese. Vaccinations must be current. Information: www.hssv.org/sn/sn_month.html. Appointments: 408-262-2133, ext. 108.

Fishing in the City: Learn to fish clinics teach the basics of fishing to children and adolescents ages 5-15. Equipment and tackle are provided. There is no charge for the clinics but there may be a park entrance fee. Each adult may bring two children; a driver's license is required for a rod loan. For information, email erotman@dfg.ca.gov.

Dog Book Reading Club: Do you love dogs? Want to learn more about their behavior, training, learning, body language, and using positive training methods? The Humane Society Silicon Valley Dog Book Reading Club meets from 2-4 p.m. fourth Sundays monthly to discuss a different book. 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas. Free. 408-262-2133, www.hssv.org.

San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival: Featuring more than 60 events including an art show, bird watching, guided trip to Skaggs Island for raptor viewing, boat trip on the Napa River and more. Feb. 8-10, Mare Island. All events are free. Schedule: www.sfbayflywayfestival.com.

Butterflies of San Francisco: Liam O'Brien, Bay Area lepidopterist, will discuss the easy ways to identify the 34 breeding species of butterfly within San Francisco, as well as plants that gardeners can grow to enhance their life cycles and restore native habitats. 7-8 p.m. Feb. 11. Sunset Branch Library, 1305 18th Ave.

Octopalooza: Can an octopus walk on land? Find out the answer to this and a lot more during Octopalooza at Aquarium of the Bay. Feb. 15-23. Embarcadero at Beach Street. Free with Aquarium admission. www.aquariumofthebay.org.

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Guided Wetlands Tours: A wildlife naturalist will lead a group (minimum of 18 people) through the diverse wetlands of the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. Learn wildlife identification and behavior patterns, conservations efforts and more. The experience can be customized to include requested information, along a half-mile walking route. For information and scheduling, call 530-846-7505 or email ldieter@dfg.ca.gov. www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/graylodge/index.html.

Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve docent-led walks: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Binoculars and bird books available to borrow at no cost. Visitor Center and main overlook are fully accessible. Day use is $4.32 per person, ages 16 and older. Groups of 10 or more should schedule a separate tour. www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/er/region4/elkhorn.html.